Editors' Review

Total Commander isn't much to look at, but offers plenty of neat ways to organize files and the easiest and quickest way to navigate through directories both locally and online. As easy as it is to use, its feature set makes it more suitable for advanced rather than novice users.

The program's installation and setup process take a few seconds longer due to some additional options users can choose such as multilanguage support, INI file location, etc. The program's layout might look dated to users new to this file manager, but to its faithful fans, Total Commander will look exactly how it should -- sleek and powerful. However, there are also many options for customization so users can change colors, font and icon sizes, menus, and more to get the look they want. The program features a traditional dual-pane interface, supports drag and drop, and lets users access its main features through easy-to-remember keyboard shortcuts. It's full of advanced options and tools like the built-in FTP client, built-in file viewer, multirename tool, nifty grouping, and many more. Additionally, advanced users will love the option to display hidden/system files. The program also has a built-in support for creating and extracting ZIP archives. It neatly packs files and does it better than anything that's already in Windows.

It's clear a lot of work went into this program and it's definitely worth the price. Due to its many advanced features Total Commander will be mostly useful to Web designers, developers, programmers, and all other users who need to upload and download files to/from remote servers.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Total Commander 8.01.

Publisher's Description

+

From Ghisler Software:
Total Commander is a file manager for Windows, a program like Windows Explorer to copy, move, or delete files. However, Total Commander can do pack and unpack files, access ftp servers, and compare files by content.

What's new in this version:

Use icons for folders and drives from Explorer, can be switched to old icons via main settings - icons

New button bar icons (optional, can be chosen during first start or via right click )

This program is to Windows Explorer what Notepad is to Word. There are no better file managers for windows. Xtree was the first high end file manager. Symantec purchased the company and for a while Norton Commander was a very good file manager. Total Commnader follows with the same basic two pane default view but provides an order of magnitude more functionality including customizable functions. In addition to the functions noted in the article check out Directory Hotlist, Multi-Rename Tool, Split/Combine Files, Encode/Decode Files, Copy to Clipboard Options, Synchronize Directories, Test Archives, Verify Checksums, and Customizable View and Edit functions. Anyone who regularly manages files under Windows should own a copy. The time savings alone will pay for the product in short order.

Cons

There are none for me at the moment.

With complex tasks it may take a minute or two to find the function you are looking for. If you don't find the function, don't forget to check out the website for a custom add on to perform the task you are looking for.

Summary

In the line of Xtree - XtreePro - Norton Commander, Total Commander takes file management to a new height. IT IS SIMPLY THE BEST FILE MANAGER FOR WINDOWS.

This program as capabilities that Windows Explorer can only dream of. Including the simplest and most needed of all a two pane directory display so files can be moved, copied or archived without opening another program or two instances of the same one.There's nothing too complex about the basic file management side of the program. That does come with the more advanced features of it.For file management you'll wonder how you ever coped with Windows Explorer.

That it almost stumped CNET editors floors me!

Cons

None, really. Some learning curve after getting by basic file management is about it. Rock solid and fast.

Summary

This really is a program for those who do a lot of file management on servers, websites and other complex AND SIMPLE file management operations but lots of it. Not just the people CNET points to above but anyone who has to handle a "ton" of documents in large and small businesses, PR firms and others.

The best of it's breed. The "2 panel" idea seemed stupid to me in the beginning, until I saw one of my friends use it. It's very natural and efficient, once you get used to it, you will maintain your file collection much faster!

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